Hops, steps and jumps : mathematical progress in the early years

While curriculum frameworks ale major influences on learning, teachers know that children progress at different rates. Sometimes this is evident within a particular topic. and at other times more obvious across different topics. In this paper. we present the hops, steps, and jumps of numeracy learning of some 3000 Australian children. All were assessed using I Can Do Maths, and their achievements mapped to provide a detailed picture of how children hop, step and jump on their numeracy journey. This mapping provides teachers with infonnation about key hurdles to numeracy learning for Australian children.

Smaller steps into longer journeys : experiencing African music and expressing culture

This paper outlines an exploratory research project that draws on survey data from both primary and secondary school music teachers in Victoria. The research stems from a study that I undertook in 2002-2003 with final year Deakin University undergraduate students. That project investigated the potential of African music to enhance the generic musical experiences, learning, motivation, interest, confidence and competence of non-specialist primary teacher education students. The research project being reported in this paper is an extension of the previous study to focus on practising music teachers at both primary and secondary school levels. The research addresses the significance and contribution of African music and culture as a cross-cultural experience for music teachers, their students and the wider community. It further considers my role as an African music practitioner in terms of transformation and acculturation. This paper outlines the progress of, and provides preliminary data about, the emergence of an innovative area of teaching and learning based on African music in Victorian schools. It also explores the notion of why cross-cultural and multi-cultural engagement matters in the contemporary context of educational change.

Group on the front steps of Ballara

Front row from left to right: Flora McIntosh, Mrs Jane McMillan (mother of soldier for whom a memorial cairn was erected at Arilpa), Wilfred Deakin Brookes; back row from left to right: Urquhart, Mr. McMillan, Ken Mitchell.

Watt family group on the front steps of Arilpa

From left to right (back row): unidentified lady, Mrs Watt?, Hal (baby), William Alexander Watt; (front row): Eleanor, Rhona, unidentified child.